Both “early bird” and “earlybird” are commonly used terms to describe a discount offered to customers who purchase or register early. While there is no definitive rule, “early bird” is more commonly used, especially in formal writing. Here is a quick overview of the difference:
Early Bird
“Early bird” is the more traditional and formal spelling. It refers to the idea that the early bird gets the worm – those who act early get the best deal or discount. This is the preferred spelling in edited publications and formal communication.
Earlybird
“Earlybird” is a condensed spelling that is sometimes used, especially in marketing and advertising. It follows the same idea as early bird but joins the two words together. This spelling may be used to save space or create a catchy logo.
Usage in Marketing and Business
In the business world, both terms are regularly used to promote early registration discounts or incentives to place an order by a certain date. Some examples include:
- “Register before March 31st to get our early bird conference rate!”
- “Order your textbooks now and save with our earlybird discount!”
- “The first 100 customers get earlybird access to our new product launch.”
Often “early bird” and “earlybird” are used interchangeably in less formal communication like social media, websites, and emails. However, “early bird” remains the more common and preferred spelling in formal writing.
Proper Noun vs Description
Another distinction is that “early bird” is sometimes used as a descriptor for a type of discount or special offer, while Earlybird can also be used as a proper noun or brand name. For example:
- “Take advantage of our early bird special on airfare.” (descriptor)
- “Sign up for EarlyBird Math Tutoring and get 20% off.” (proper noun)
Conclusion
In summary, while both spellings are widely used and accepted, “early bird” remains the traditional and formal spelling. “Earlybird” is sometimes used in marketing or ads, especially when space is limited. When in doubt, “early bird” is the safest choice for formal communication and professional writing.
When to Use Each Spelling
| Early Bird | Earlybird |
|---|---|
|
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Examples in Sentences
- The conference brochure advertised an early bird registration rate for anyone who signed up before May.
- I always take advantage of earlybird discounts when I book vacations online.
- My favorite bakery has an EarlyBird Breakfast Special for customers who arrive before 8 a.m.
As these examples demonstrate, “early bird” is appropriate for formal writing, while “earlybird” may be used in brand names and informal communication.
Early Bird vs Earlybird in Google Search
A quick look at Google search results provides further insight. A search for “early bird discount” returns about 1.5 million results, while a search for “earlybird discount” yields around 201k results. This suggests “early bird” is significantly more widely used and recognized in formal content online.
Popularity in Books
Books also favor the two-word spelling. A search of Google Books shows:
- “Early bird” appears in roughly 157,000 book excerpts
- “Earlybird” appears in only about 9,250 excerpts
Once again, this points to “early bird” being the dominant choice, especially in edited, published material.
Registered Trademarks
When it comes to trademarks, both terms are registered:
- EarlyBird is a registered trademark for several companies, including an education technology firm.
- Early Bird is a registered trademark related to a chain of breakfast restaurants.
So if using the term as a brand name, it’s important to check whether EarlyBird or Early Bird are protected trademarks in your industry.
Style Guide Recommendations
Various style guides weigh in on the proper spelling:
- AP Stylebook recommends “early bird” as two separate words.
- Chicago Manual of Style also prefers the two-word spelling “early bird.”
- MLA Style does not take a stance but notes both spellings are commonly used.
Overall, the formal guidance favors “early bird,” especially for edited publications.
Readability Factors
Experts note that readers tend to process phrases like “early bird” faster than single words like “earlybird.” Joining the words together disrupts the familiar spelling and requires a brief pause to recognize the term. This very minor difference may affect readability in long or complex material.
Conclusion
In summary, while both “early bird” and “earlybird” are common, “early bird” remains the recommended spelling for formal communication. “Earlybird” is sometimes used in marketing or branding when a condensed term is beneficial. Following the standard two-word spelling helps maintain clarity and readability, especially in edited publications requiring a formal tone.
